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Mohammed Ammer Ali in court over 'chemical weapon ricin' Ricin charge: Mohammed Ammer Ali appears in court
(about 9 hours later)
A man from Liverpool has appeared in court charged with attempting to obtain the chemical weapon ricin. A man charged with trying to buy 500g of ricin over the internet has appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Mohammed Ammer Ali, 31, of Prescot Road, is accused of attempting to buy 500mg of ricin on the internet. Mohammed Ammer Ali, 31, of Prescot Road, Liverpool, is accused of trying to buy five viles of the deadly chemical over the dark web for £325.
He was charged after he was allegedly caught in an FBI sting operation, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. Prosecutors say he tried to buy the viles in what is understood to have been an FBI sting and was sent them in a remote control car battery pack.
Mr Ali spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 13 March. Mr Ali was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on 13 March.
He was arrested following a joint investigation by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, Merseyside Police and the US authorities. He is charged with attempting to have a chemical weapon in his possession between January 10 and February 12, contrary to the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and the Chemical Weapons Act 1996.
On 11 February officers searched five addresses in Merseyside, and a number of items were seized. Prosecutors say he tried to buy the chemical with Bitcoins - an electronic currency - worth $500.
A police spokesman said it remained the case that at this time officers had uncovered no plan or threat of an imminent attack either at home or abroad. No pleas were taken during the hearing in London, where Mr Ali spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
Mr Ali is accused of attempting to have a chemical weapon in his possession between January 10 and February 12, contrary to the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and the Chemical Weapons Act 1996. The case comes after officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit and Merseyside Police searched five addresses in Merseyside on 11 February, and a number of items were seized.
Mr Ali was charged by officers on Monday.
A police spokesman said officers had not uncovered any plan or threat of an imminent attack, either at home or abroad.